Coal news and updates

India allows river vessels to operate in coastline to boost trade

September 19: The Ministry of Shipping (MoS) has allowed the movement of vessels, that had been restricted to only inland waterways (rivers), to henceforth operate along the coastline.

“The decision is expected to contribute for a greater degree transportation of goods and trade within the country and along the coastline,” an official release said.

The Directorate General of Shipping, in a notification under Maritime Zone Act, has declared that the water inward of the baseline would be considered as “inland waters” that would allow free movement of inland waterways restricted vessels to move in coastal areas.

The order states that those coastal states seeking extension of inland waters beyond the base line may carry out relevant analysis through the National Institute of Oceanography. The amended Inland Vessels Act, 1917 along with the Section 3(41) of the Merchant Shipping Act provides the legal frame work for such operations, the release said.

The Coastal states having Maritime Boards are delegated with the authority for registering and monitoring all aspects of safety of vessels based on the model code prescribed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).

The coastal states having no maritime boards have to seek delegation of authority from the Directorate General of Shipping to register and monitor all aspects of safety of inland vessels.

The Directorate General of Shipping had issued a River-Sea Vessel Notification in August this year, for all vessels in coastal areas in this regard.